Niceville man recognized during Davidson veterans assembly

George Atwell, center, poses next to his wife Carolyn, left, and Davidson Middle School Assistant Principal Kelli Howard on Thursday during a Veterans Day assembly at Davidson Middle School. Atwell received a city of Crestview "Commendation of Respect" proclamation.

MATTHEW BROWN | News Bulletin

By MATTHEW BROWN | News Bulletin

Published: Monday, November 12, 2012 at 10:28 AM.

CRESTVIEW — A Niceville man received VIP treatment Thursday when he received a top honor from the Hub City.

George Atwell, 67, had a distinguished U.S. Army career that earned him a "Commendation of Respect" proclamation from the city of Crestview.

Atwell, a longtime Niceville resident, spent 18 years in the military, including a Vietnam tour and three-year deployment to Germany. He volunteers as a service officer at the Disabled American Veterans office in Niceville; there, Atwell — whose wife, Carolyn, teaches at Davidson — helps veterans fill out paperwork to apply for disability benefits.

But on this day, he was ready to help students with a few words of wisdom.

"If you have confidence in yourselves, you can accomplish anything," Atwell told students, who gave a standing ovation after his speech.

CRESTVIEW — A Niceville man received VIP treatment Thursday when he received a top honor from the Hub City.

George Atwell, 67, had a distinguished U.S. Army career that earned him a "Commendation of Respect" proclamation from the city of Crestview.

Atwell, a longtime Niceville resident, spent 18 years in the military, including a Vietnam tour and three-year deployment to Germany. He volunteers as a service officer at the Disabled American Veterans office in Niceville; there, Atwell — whose wife, Carolyn, teaches at Davidson — helps veterans fill out paperwork to apply for disability benefits.

But on this day, he was ready to help students with a few words of wisdom.

"If you have confidence in yourselves, you can accomplish anything," Atwell told students, who gave a standing ovation after his speech.

"We knew that he was a veteran and we thought it would be nice to honor someone that is in our Davidson family,” she said.

Davidson students packed the school gymnasium Thursday morning to pay tribute to military veterans during their Veterans Day assembly. The school band and chorus performed several patriotic songs for past and present military service members.

"I am very proud of what the students did here," Atwell said. "I wish all veterans had the opportunity to be part of this.